Any parent will agree that a kid’s mind is like a sponge, constantly in need of stimulation and activity. As an adult, it’s always a challenge to keep up with the energy of young minds. Fortunately, as Phuket develops and maintains, or increases, its family-friendliness there are always new ways to get kids involved in activities to have fun, learn something, and make new friends.
Parents will find a wide range of sports options in Phuket that parents might not have considered or are yet aware of. As discussed in our other recent article about paddle sports, there are tennis and pickleball courts located all over the island, and it’s likely that you live close to one. While some of these facilities are more bare bones and are simply a space to play and practice, others are more full service. Parents can find facilities that offer lessons for kids, both one-on-one and group, as well as camps and competitive events for a bit of extra excitement. While tennis might be more challenging, pickleball is quite popular and accessible for players of almost all ages.
For island kids with a strong creative spark, consider encouraging them to get involved in the music scene. There are several stores that sell all sorts of musical instruments, some quite inexpensive, where kids could look for inspiration. Phuket has several options for kids to learn their chosen instrument. If you wish for your kids to follow in the footsteps of the old masters, the Phuket School of Music offers lessons and recital space for Western-style classic music. Lessons are available for vocals, stringed instruments, woodwinds, percussion, and more. Another option for kids to explore their creative side is the Phuket Academy of Performing Arts (PAPA). This school has five instructors who offer a variety of instruction from guitar and bass to vocals, ukulele, and music production. At PAPA kids can practice their instruments with other musicians, record their playing for analysis (and fun), and even have the opportunity to participate in public performances.
If your kids love the water, that's convenient considering Phuket is surrounded by clear tropical waters. Learning how to sail is a great way to get young kids excited about the marine environment and instill in them an early love for the ocean. Cape Panwa has a sailing school called Sail in Asia which is well-established and highly regarded. Their location is ideal for embarking on high-seas adventures where their experienced skippers can teach you the ropes (literally) and impart years of maritime wisdom to kids and adults alike.
Lastly, if your kids are water lovers, but sailing isn’t their thing, there are many other options. In the sea, there’s the possibility to try surfing (from April to December). There are many surf schools, especially on Bang Tao, Kamala, Patong, and Kata Beaches with instructors who have taught hundreds or thousands of kids how to catch waves. Alternatively, your kids could try wakeboarding or skimboarding, or try the standing wave at the Surf House Patong or Super Surf Kata.